Golf R -v- Golf GTI

[G-rig]

In response to the journalist above, most people buy a car in their budget. GTI best car in the mid 40K range. R best car in the mid 50k range. Suggesting imagination and pragmatisim are the deciding factors are just nonsense. If your budget is R territory buy an R if it's GTI buy a GTI. The same argument with WRX and STI and XR5 and Focus RS if you can afford the more expensive car get it. If you can't your still left with something pretty special so enjoy.

That stands to reason, generally if you spend more you get something better but it's not usually/always better value. It's good knowing you have the top of the line though, but always something better on the roads.

People should be happy with either and out there driving them instead of sitting on here too much .

[hooba]

That stands to reason, generally if you spend more you get something better but it's not usually/always better value.

There is also the matter of the law of diminishing returns. That said, you speak some good sense.

[G-rig]

There is also the matter of the law of diminishing returns. That said, you speak some good sense.

That's right.. Even if it is the top of the line it is still based on the base model with a few extra bits.. will still be limited to the golf platform so funny watching all the snobbery when a 135i or S3 is still better . Agree not everyone wants to spend that much but where do you stop.

[triode12]

Interesting post by Perth VW dealer Dermot. The GTI might be facing competition from the new Polo GTI as well. IMO the new Polo GTI looks better than the Golf GTI.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f128...tml#post570637

With a better to weight ratio than the Golf GTI, I'm guessing it will be more fun to drive.

[G-rig]

The polo is a nice idea but tiny in real life.

[Pepe]

We bringing the Polo into this now? Well, in that case, debate over:

[triode12]

In case you haven't noticed, the Polo in that pic isn't the GTI version of the Polo.
From what I have seen of the car, IMO it looks much nicer than the Golf GTI and is now closer in size to the Golf Mk III. The power to weight ratio and smaller body would likely work in its favour and make it more fun to drive than the Golf GTI - as was the previous Polo GTI.

Since none of us here besides Dermot has driven one, I'd keep an open mind about it. But I am surpised at Dermot's candor regarding buyers going more for the Polo GTI and Golf R over the Golf GTI, since it is in his best interest to sell the as many units of all models in the range.

Bwen recently summed up the Golf GTI when he said that it was now more like a luxury hatch than a hot hatch, and I tend to agree with him. The refinement accorded the Golf GTI has dulled the hot hatch experience (fun) some what.

Snipped from the other thread:

Dermot (sales manager of Wangara VW)

Well, I drove the Polo GTI at Phillip Island last week, and WOW, was I impressed, so much so that I suspect a change in the future ordering habits of potential Volkswagen owners..... I suspect that a large proportion of potential Golf GTI buyers will either opt for a low spec Golf R, or more likely, a high spec Polo GTI. It is that good a car..Would I buy a Golf GTI or a Polo GTI... Well, if it were my own money, and I could afford the Golf GTI but not the Golf R, I would probably opt for a kittted out Polo GTI..
Guys, its an aswome car........

[dave_r]

Since it's been raised, having access to plain Polo I have to agree with Dermot. The new Polo is a good little thing. I find the missus one very chuckable due to its light weight and good power delivery (Yeah crazy I know, its only a prima sized engine). The GTI version with some better suspension, more power etc would be a great example of a hot hatch (even if it isn't 3dr).

When people have the $ figures put in front of them, if they don't need the extra space, I'd be willing to bet that they take the Polo GTI over a Golf GTI most of the time.

[hooba]

Interesting post by Perth VW dealer Dermot. The GTI might be facing competition from the new Polo GTI as well. IMO the new Polo GTI looks better than the Golf GTI.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f128...tml#post570637

With a better to weight ratio than the Golf GTI, I'm guessing it will be more fun to drive.

Great idea, and while you're at it, you should buy a itzy bitzy dog to match the Polo lifestyle.

[triode12]

Great idea, and while you're at it, you should buy a itzy bitzy dog to match the Polo lifestyle.

You seem to come out with these gems I assume is in defense of the Golf GTI, everytime I post something critical of it. Do you own a mkVI Golf GTI hooba?